Daniel – Day 1
Welcome to Daniel, a complex but important book. The message of Daniel is relevant to the events that occurred during the captivity of the people of Jerusalem and Judah, and provides wisdom for our own age and supplies a prophetic blueprint for the age to come. The book of Daniel opens with Nebuchadnezzar on the throne of Babylon. Evidently the Babylonian dynasty had replaced the Assyrians as the dominant power in the eastern Mediterranean region during the latter part of the seventh century BC. Nebuchadnezzar increased the power and influence of Babylon when he defeated the Egyptians in 605 BC and then he succeeded his father in 604. During the period between 587-586 he subdued Judah and sacked Jerusalem and carried a large portion of the Jewish population as well as the treasured vessels of the Jewish temple back to Babylon. According to Ronald S. Wallace, the book of Daniel assumes that there had been an earlier invasion of Judah in which Nebuchadnezzar carried off some captives including Daniel. Daniel served the Babylonian dynasty and continued in his post until the first year of King Cyrus of Persia.
But before serving the Babylonian kingdom, Daniel along with Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah had to be selected as individuals who were gifted. Daniel 1:3-4 describes the selection process. As part of the training process, they were ultimately renamed Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego. Before the selection took place, the prospect of living in captivity caused the people of Judah including Daniel to change their perspective on how God was going to work out his purpose for them within human history and fulfill his promises to the descendants of Abraham. One of the issues that confronted Daniel and his friends was whether to engage in co-operation or withdrawal. In essence they chose a middle course of remaining faithful to God while living in a land with pagan and disturbing customs. They entered into service to the king and availed themselves of some of the privileges offered to them, but at various times they determined that certain kinds of conduct was incompatible with faithful service to God whom they owed their primary allegiance. Daniel 1:8 states that “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” It seems that keeping himself from defiling food was a witness of Daniel’s faith in God and confirmed that it was God’s forgiveness that had made him clean, including a cleansing from the surrounding world of moral pollution and idolatry. This radical separation from certain foods gave evidence of Daniel and his friends’ radical separation from the world they inhabited and served.
Two points are worth emphasizing. First, Daniel purposed in his heart and second, he sought favor from Nebuchadnezzar s chief eunuch in the form of a 10 day trial allowing Daniel and his companions to eat only vegetables and drink only water. Taken together, Daniel and his friends resolved to rely on the Lord. Evidence of the success of this reliance can be found in the fact that their physical appearance and health exceeded the health and appearance of their fellow servants, who partook of the king’s table. Later, God’s favor was confirmed. In Daniel 1:17, it states: “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, the king found them better than all the magicians and astrologers in his realm. Daniel 1:20. As we shall see in subsequent chapters, God was preparing Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah for favor and great things based on their radical dependence on God. By maintaining a faithful presence within Babylon, they honored God and ultimately helped prepare Nebuchadnezzar’s submission to the God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac.
Key Verses:
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the King’s delicacies nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and good will of the chief of the eunuchs.” ~ Daniel 1:8-9
Questions:
- Daniel and his friends lived in captivity in a challenging world filled with idolatry. What were the most important factors in their ability to remain faithful to God?
- What challenges do you face in you daily life, at work, within a particular society or neighborhood?
- What lessons can you draw from Daniel’s behavior in Chapter 1?
